Drogs looking to bounce back

Drogheda United will be hoping to bounce back from their midweek FAI Cup exit when they welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to United Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

United boss Alan Mathews must plan without centre-half Alan McNally, while goalkeeper Steve Williams is also ruled until after the midseason break.

Glen Fitzpatrick made his return to action last week against Limerick and this week sees the return from injury of Jamie Harris, Jason Gavin and Gareth O’Connor.

For St Pat's, Damien Lynch damaged his ankle against Limerick and is out until after the break along with Darragh Ryan (hamstring), Alan Cawley (ankle), Gary Dempsey (leg), Mark Leech (leg) and Gints Freiman (knee).

Saints boss Jeff Kenna said: “Drogheda are a better side than people give them credit. They gave us a very tough game in Richmond earlier this season. We were 2-0 up but they never gave up. They pulled it back to 2-1 and had us under real pressure.

“They’ve already beaten Cork and drawn with Rovers and so are well capable of putting it up to any team on their day.

“We’ve put in some decent performances in recent weeks. The more wins you get, the more confidence you build up so I’m hoping we can continue that form into the break.”